Explore every episode of the podcast Messages from the Wild

This Water Vole is part of a series commissioned by

University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 

The water vole is under serious threat from habitat loss and predation by the American mink. Found along our waterways, it is similar-looking to the brown rat, but with a blunt nose, small ears and furry tail.

(find out more from The Wildlife Trusts)

With many thanks to artist, photographer and author, Christine Gregory, such a font of knowledge on Water Voles as well as Brown Hares.

Christine's book on the Water Vole.

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

The bee-flies are out and about in the UK doing their crazy, cool hovering displays and they're great mimickers of bumble bees. But, don't be fooled, wait until you hear about what they do with their babies...

If you head outside on a warm spring day, you might be lucky enough to spot one of these tiny, fluffy, flying narwhales or hear its high-pitched hum before you see it.

With many thanks to Dr Erica McAlister for being such a natural Bee-fly (she was also our maggot, her other love). She is based at London's Natural History Museum and is the Senior Curator for Diptera and Siphonaptera. She manages the lower Brachycera, Mycetophilidae and Culicidae collections in Diptera, and the Siphonaptera collection. So there.

Erica's instagram

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Red squirrels are our native species and have lived in the UK for around 10,000 years. They are facing a population decline, primarily due to competition from the invasive grey squirrel.

With thanks to David Mills who really does make a charming red squirrel. Some of the experts in Messages from the Wild suit their animal down to the ground and David is one of them. If we could imagine what a red squirrel might sound like, this, to me is it.

Visit The British Wildlife Centre and support their conservation and breeding programmes for our wildlife.

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Bumblebees are at their peak right now and this Buff Tailed is fairly easy to spot. Keep a look out.

This was originally recorded for the collection at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.

Jimmy Docherty really makes me laugh and he knows his stuff too - farmer, entomologist, television presenter and I would add comedian. 

Visit Jimmy’s Farm and support the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to marine conservation biologist, author, science communicator, ocean advocate Christine Figgener, for embodying The Leatherback Turtle so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to Iris Ziegler, for embodying The Silky Shark so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to Marine Biologist, Melissa Cristina Marquez, for embodying The White Spotted Wedgefish so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to Marine Biologist, Casuarina McKinney-Lambert, for embodying The Staghorn Coral so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to the Founder and President of OceanCare, Sigrid Lueber, for embodying The Sperm Whale so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to Marine Biologist, Lewis Stagnetto, for embodying The Phytoplankton so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to marine biologist, oceanographer, explorer, author, Dr Sylvia Earle for embodying The Goliath Grouper so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to Marine Biologist, Howard Dryden, for embodying The Copepod so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

It’s World Ocean Week, an important yearly event for the future of all marine life. 

Ocean animals need our attention. They need to be heard. Please spread their messages far and wide.

This series, Voices from the Ocean, was commissioned by Gallifrey Foundation in collaboration with Mission Blue, with special thanks to Antoinette Vermilye for her unending support.

And many thanks to Marine Scientist, Sheena Talma for embodying this Coelacanth so beautifully.

presenter/producer: annabel@messagesfromthewild.com 

The Bittern is part of a series commissioned by Future Places Centre at Lancaster University in collaboration with Leighton Moss RSPB.

With many thanks to Jarrod Sneyd, RSPB Leighton Moss, for embodying this Bittern.

"For me, they just bring joy, particularly when the atmospherics are right. You can be in Leighton Moss, or nearby in Silverdale, for example, where there's been five or six booming male Bitterns, and the sound echoes and reverberates. If you were to try and write it down and capture it, it's constant, it's impossible to do. And so you've got this cacophony of Bitterns booming all around you and echoing and bouncing. And it's actually just incredible when you get that. It's not like that every morning or every evening." Jarrod Sneyd, RSPB Leighton Moss

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Thank you to Jarrod for his superb sound recordings.

Thank you to Noemie Lina for the illustrations. 

The European Eel is part of a series commissioned by Future Places Centre at Lancaster University in collaboration with Leighton Moss RSPB.

With many thanks to Kath Smith, RSPB Leighton Moss, for embodying this European Eel.

"Eels are just fantastic. They've been around for hundreds of years but, we still don't really know much about them. It's only in the last few years we've realised that they spawn and die, and that's only through observation. And the fact that they have that incredible migration journey to the Sargasso Sea and back, they're just fantastic. And people need to know that. It's not all about fluffy, cuddly squirrels and other species. We should think about the ones that people might think are a bit weird too." Kath Smith, RSPB Leighton Moss

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Thank you to Noemie Lina for the illustrations. 

The Reed Warbler is part of a series commissioned by Future Places Centre at Lancaster University in collaboration with Leighton Moss RSPB.

With many thanks to Beth Fox, RSPB Leighton Moss, for embodying this Reed Warbler.

"For these little birds, the reed bed can be a challenging place to raise chicks, there are quite a lot of predators. But they're dedicated parents. I think it's lovely that the male and the female raise their chicks together. It's such a joint effort. And obviously I admire the treacherous journey that they make. I think we all have to admire that don't we." Beth Fox, RSPB Leighton Moss

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Many thanks to Lee Alder for the Reed Warbler recording.

Thank you to Noemie Lina for the illustrations. 

The Caddis Fly is part of a series commissioned by Future Places Centre at Lancaster University in collaboration with Leighton Moss RSPB.

With many thanks to Kath Smith, RSPB Leighton Moss for embodying this Caddis Fly.

"I've spent years river dipping and pond dipping, and you come across these creatures that still get me so excited, and because they're so amazing, I want to pass that on to other people as well, especially when you're pond dipping with kids. And you want to get them to say it's not just a little mini beast all by itself, it's this fantastic house builder, that builds to survive. And they're just amazing, they really are." Kath Smith, RSPB Leighton Moss

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Thank you to Noemie Lina for the illustrations. 

The Marsh Harrier is part of a series commissioned by Future Places Centre at Lancaster University in collaboration with Leighton Moss RSPB. 

With many thanks to Joseph Klein, RSPB Leighton Moss, for embodying this Marsh Harrier.

"I really enjoy just watching them over the nature reserve. I think Marsh Harriers have a kind of slow pace to them. They fly super slowly and just drop down into the reed bed and look so chilled and in control. And unless you come to a reserve or a place where there are Marsh Harriers, you probably don't really see them and don't know much about them, and I think, more should be known about them, because they're so cool." Joe Klein, RSPB Leighton Moss

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Thank you to Simon Elliott for the beautiful sound of The Marsh Harrier.

Thank you to Noemie Lina for the illustrations. 

Always smaller than we think but incredibly strong and so vital to the health of our soils. These little creatures need a lot more respect than we give them. It's their lawn, not ours.

With many thanks to Sam Corfield, author, horticulturist and wildlife expert @the_hairy_horticulturist 

This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

This Cinnabar Moth is part of an installation, Voices from the Meadow, commissioned by Wakehurst (wild sister of Kew Gardens) for their Meadowland exhibition last year.

It has a slightly different feel to the usual recordings with Alice Boyd, composer and sound designer, providing the beautiful music and field sounds. 

These interviews with meadow animals were heard coming out of the giant Gramophone designed by sculptor, Donnacha Cahill.

Many thanks to Eva Owen for making it happen and Steve Robinson for embodying the cinnabar moth.

"Daydream of a summer meadow and I will bet there is a buzz of a passing bumblebee, a colourful flash of butterfly wing and the hypnotic chorus of crickets. And rightly so. Insects are the beating heart of a meadow, providing the soundtrack and magnifying its vibrancy." Iain Parkinson, Meadow

Producer/Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

This Scissor Bee is part of an installation, Voices from the Meadow, commissioned by Wakehurst (wild sister of Kew Gardens) for their Meadowland exhibition last year.

It has a slightly different feel to the usual recordings with Alice Boyd, composer and sound designer, providing the beautiful music and field sounds. 

These interviews with meadow animals were heard coming out of the giant Gramophone designed by sculptor, Donnacha Cahill.

Many thanks to Eva Owen for making it happen and Janine Griffiths-Lee for embodying the scissor bee.

"Hay meadows are tightly-woven landscapes interlaced with an intricate mix of plants, including wild flowers, grasses, some sedges and rushes, and even a couple of tiny yet fascinating ferns. With such a richly layered flora, it should be no surprise to learn that hay meadows also support and astonishing range of fauna." Iain Parkinson, Meadow

Producer/Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

This Grasshopper is part of an installation, Voices from the Meadow, commissioned by Wakehurst (wild sister of Kew Gardens) for their Meadowland exhibition last year.

It has a slightly different feel to the usual recordings with Alice Boyd, composer and sound designer, providing the beautiful music and field sounds. 

These interviews with meadow animals were heard coming out of the giant Gramophone designed by sculptor, Donnacha Cahill.

Many thanks to Eva Owen for making it happen and Francis Annette for embodying the grasshopper.

"Traditionally managed hay meadows are now exceptionally rare (in the UK), but, by virtue of their enduring character, surviving examples demonstrate a resilience to change that is worth celebrating." Iain Parkinson, Meadow

Producer/Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

This Dipper is part of a series commissioned by

University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 

With many thanks to Mark Cocker, author and naturalist.

"I think it’s a fantastic quiet bit of politics because the central challenge of our entire species and our civilisation is to understand our dependence on the rest of life and this project allows those organisms, as close as possible, to speak for themselves about the issues that affect not only them but more centrally humans themselves and I think that’s the beauty of it.” Mark Cocker on Messages from the Wild

PRoducer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Thank you to Teet Sirotkin for the beautiful sound of The Dipper.

This Mayfly is part of a series commissioned by

University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 

With many thanks to Charles Foster, author and academic.

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

This Water Vole is part of a series commissioned by

University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group for The River Derwent. 

With many thanks to Christine Gregory, writer, photographer and painter.

The Water Vole: The Story of One of Britain's Most Endangered Mammals

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

This episode is especially made to accompany the work of the painter and print maker, Frances Gynn, for her exhibition on Fairy Shrimps as part of her Public Erasures series. It's powerful stuff so please go along if you can.

Public Erasures at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Bristol.

Featuring the Fairy Shrimp (Chirocephalus diaphanous)

Endangered translucent crustacean

Living in temporary ponds

Main source of food to many organisms

Important indicator of a healthy eco-system

With many thanks to Frances for inviting me along to open her Fairy Shrimp Public Erasure and for being such a great Fairy Shrimp herself.

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Earthworms are arguably our most vital animal. They're quite funny too. (This one has been added to the podcast for a second time to be used in Derby City as part of their Wildlife Festival.)

With many thanks to Nicky Scott, aka Dr Compost,

Food Waste Educator, Community Compost Expert

Dr Compost | Growing Devon Schools

"I may have trained as an agronomist but I learned something new about earthworms today - listen in!" John Meadley 

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Our largest ant species explains how vital ants are to our survival, despite his seemingly lazy life, he manages to make the effort.

With many thanks to Professor Adam Hart, Entomologist & Professor of Science Communication, University of Gloucestershire Adam Hart

And thank you to Gregory Ovenden for his ant recordings in this episode: http://www.thesoundfarmer.com

This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

Vital to our existence and yet maggots have never been a very popular creature but, Dr Erica McAlister makes this particular maggot seem almost adorable.

With many thanks to Dr Erica McAlister, Entomologist, Senior Curator at the Natural History Museum, Author, Presenter  @ericamcalister

This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Producer, Presenter annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

Curious creatures woodlice, well I think so. I'm so happy I finally got to talk to one, I'd always wondered if they actually did eat their own poo.

This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

With many thanks to Lucy Lapwing, Wildlife Presenter and Campaigner @lucy_lapwing

Producer, Presenter annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

After listening to this badger I think you'll realise that they don't deserve the bad press they seem to get. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

With many thanks to Steve Backshall, Naturalist, Presenter, Author, Campaigner www.stevebackshall.com 

Producer, Presenter annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

www.messagesfromthewild.com 

Dragonflies are out and about in all their glory across Britain now so keep your eyes peeled for them. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.

With many thanks to Steve Jones, Author and Dragonfly expert @aparthenop on Instagram. 

Producer, Presenter annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Bluebells are at their peak across Britain now and they love to be admired but they really suffer as a whole if any of them are trampled on. This one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.

With many thanks to Nicola Bradley, Head Gardener at the Lost Gardens as she really brings these beautiful flowers to life. She's the perfect Bluebell.

Producer, Presenter annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

An alternative to the traditional Christmas tree but perhaps more quintessentially British, The Oak. 

This Oak lives at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall and comes from the collection I made for them last year: Voices from the Lost Gardens.

With many thanks to the wonderful Dame Judi Dench, who really could not have been a more perfect Oak.

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

A perfect winter warmer, this one comes from the collection I made for The Lost Gardens of Heligan, called Voices from the Lost Gardens.

Jimmy Docherty really makes me laugh and he knows his stuff too - farmer, entomologist, television presenter and I would add comedian. 

Visit Jimmy’s Farm and support the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

This interview comes from a collection called Voices from the Ocean.

It is such an important series as we really know so little about the ocean. It comes to us with thanks to Gallifrey Foundation and Mission Blue, finding experts from all over the world to give us their time and energy so that we can be entertained whilst being educated.

“With knowing, comes caring, and with caring there’s hope, that we can find an enduring place for ourselves within the natural systems that support us. But first, we have to know.” Dr Sylvia Earle

And with many thanks to Marine Biologist, Lucy Woodall of Nekton 

Seahorses help protect seagrasses, seaweeds and coral reefs. They are important predators for bottom-dwelling organisms. But, they are often caught just to be sold as souvenir pets. Don’t buy seahorses. Don’t pollute the ocean with plastics and chemicals. Demand protection for seahorse habitats.

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

This is not a good time of year for hedgehogs in Britain so please take a couple of minutes to listen to this public service announcement from one. And please pass it on as far and wide as possible. Thank you. 

With many thanks to Yvonne Cox, Founder of Hedgehog Rescue, South Gloucestershire www.hedgehogrescue.info

Producer, Presenter annabel@messagesfromthewild.com

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin, Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author

www.georgemcgavin.com

@georgecmcgavin

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Matt Brierley, wildlife filmmaker

www.sharksindeepwater.com

@mattbrierley

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

This is for Max, a Spider Ambassador, which we should all be really. Maybe once you've heard this fascinating House Spider, you may want to become one, it certainly changed my view of them. 

with many thanks to Peter Smithers, Honorary Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society

Entomologist, University of Plymouth

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Plants have a message too and as it's Spring, I thought it would be a good time to give the dandelion a voice.

A favourite of the Ashy Mining Bee.

with many thanks to Alex Morss

Ecologist and Author

www.alexmorss.co.uk   @morss_alex 

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Some slugs are useful.

And funny.

with many thanks to Dr Ben Rowson

Senior Curator: Invertebrate Biodiversity (Terrestrial Mollusca), National Museum Cardiff

https://museum.wales/cardiff/ 

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

Messages from the Wild podcast has been hibernating (for good reason) but as spring has arrived in Europe now is the time to hear from the Ashy Mining Bee who will be out and about pollinating and building her nest in the ground in relative peace and quiet.

with many thanks to Rhian Rowson

Natural History Curator, Bristol Museum, Galleries and Archives

www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Dr George McGavin, Zoologist, Broadcaster, Author 

That ends the First Season of Messages from the Wild.

Please send any requests for animals you'd particularly like to hear from for the next season....coming soon.

And please send feedback.

Thank you for listening.

Happy Christmas.

Annabel 

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Subscribe to Messages from the Wild on iTunes

Many thanks to Ganna for her wonderful illustrations www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Peter Rock,

Urban Gull Expert, Research Associate, University of Bristol

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With thanks to Mark Pajak,

Spider Expert, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries   

Twitter: @markyspider

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to David Dewsbury,

Wildlife Enthusiast and Researcher, Forest of Dean

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to Dr Amoret Whitaker,

Senior Lecturer (University of Winchester)

Scientific Associate (Natural History Museum, London)

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With many thanks to David Brown,

Bat Specialist, Avon Bat Group

Producer, Presenter: annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl

With thanks to Ray Barnett,

Head of Collections and Archives, Bristol Museum and Art Galleries

ray.barnett@bristol.gov.uk | www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

Producer, Presenter annabel@annabelross.com 

Illustrations by Annabazyl www.fiverr.com/annabazyl